Page 1 of Wed to the Bullman

CHAPTER 1

Vozak

“This is very unconventional. We normally put the DNA into the database, and the computer finds the match.” The nurse shakes her head while drawing my blood and swabbing my mouth. Auryn stands beside me, dictating where she should look.

“I know, but I’m a match to his brother. My little Sister Agnes is waiting for her match. I figured they'd be a match. And yeah, I’m biased. I want her here with me.” Auryn is convincing.

“Okay, I’ll send it through for your sister first.”

I blow out a deep breath—this is a new thing for me. Coming to Earth wasn’t in the plans as I was to stay with our parents. But seeing how happy and fulfilled Vrakius was, along with his sweet wife and child, I wanted to experience it too. And actually, my mother and father encouraged me to leave Tariat. So I did. I waited for a while to submit the DNA test. Honestly, I wasn’t really sure I wanted a wife. But Vrakius talked me into it.

Two weeks go by and they tell me I have a match. It’s not the same nurse who informs me, and they don’t tell me her name, only that I need to get to the marriage temple to pick her up if I accept. According to the document, she’s a perfect match.

Auryn wrings her hands as I prepare for the trip. Her family doesn’t have comms and can’t communicate with the outside world. They rely on written mail and courier services, or she’d ask them.

“Listen, even if it’s not Agnes, you need to treat her well.” Vrakius means well, but he’s an overbearing brother.

I square my shoulders. “I know, brother. I’m not, as the humans say, an idiot.”

My brother pats my shoulder. “Yes, I know you’re not. But go easy. You are gruff at times.”

“It’s the minotaur way.” I’m quite proud of my heritage. Minotaurs aren’t fluffy little pets. We’re big and brutish and bold. My wife must adjust to the creature I am. Vrakius grew too soft in my opinion.

“I’ll be cordial.”

Auryn gives me a worried look. “If your mate is Agnes, you better treat her well.”

“He better treat her well regardless of who she is,” Vrakius corrects.

I hop into the old truck Vrakius let me borrow. He says it’s a good luck truck since he picked up Auryn in it. The road to the temple stretches before me—it will take a good day to get there. We don’t have access to hovercrafts like others do. The minotaurs are ranchers here, living simple and primitive lives.

The road to the temple becomes engorged with traffic. Vessels land at the nearby airfield, and many different male beings arrive. I’m not alone in this. The marriage temple is the perfect way to match the aliens to the humans. Apparently, they refer to me as an alien. I snort—I’m a minotaur, not an alien.

“You’re early, Vozak. Your human doesn’t arrive until tomorrow.” The older human female glances at her clipboard and offers a smile.

“I was told to come right away to the temple to pick up my wife.” This is turning out to be a big waste of time. I have ground to till and livestock to feed. I left Vrakius with the task of feeding my livestock, but he doesn’t have time to touch my fallow ground.

“I’m sorry about that. We process many marriages a day. You’re a minotaur, so we have the magistrate for your ceremony. You’ll have to come back tomorrow for processing. She’s just getting on the train now.”

I nod and turn, but then I turn back. “What is her name?”

She glances at her clipboard. “Agnes. Agness Ridgewood. She’s coming from the eastern seaboard settlement.”

My heart pounds at the mention of Auryn’s sister’s name. I smile, nod, and leave, heading into the walled city to find a room for the night.

“Vozak? Well?” Auryn’s voice cracks through my comm.

I chuckle. “You better prepare a big welcome party for your sister.”

She squeals so loudly, I pull the comm away.

“I can’t believe this! Yes! Are you sure it’s our Agnes?”

“Agnes Ridgewood. Can’t be any other, can there?”

“No! Oh, you have made my day, my year! Honey, Agnes is his wife.” She hollers at Vrakius.

“Not yet. She’s coming in tomorrow. I’m in the city for the night.” I huff sounding impatient.

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